The Salomon Genesis arrived a couple of years ago as a versatile, approachable trail shoe that delivered a surprising amount of technology for its price. Don’t let the relatively affordable price tag fool you—it packed in features that are often reserved for more expensive trail shoes, including a Matryx upper, Salomon’s Quicklace system, a dependable ContaGRIP outsole, and a comfortable, capable midsole.
The Solomon Genesis 2 builds on that foundation with a handful of thoughtful updates rather than a complete overhaul. That’s probably the right approach, as the original already had a lot going for it.
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It’s important to note that, unlike our trail expert Drew Roberts, I’m not really an avid trail runner. While I do engage in occasional steep climbs on the trails, my typical excursions lean towards milder to medium difficulty trails.
Therefore, this review offers insights tailored to runners with similar preferences. If you’re a seasoned, vert runner, I recommend exploring additional reviews for a comprehensive perspective.
Looks:
I was a little underwhelmed by the review pair we received of the original Genesis. Subdued is perfectly fine, but a mostly all-black shoe isn’t usually my first choice.
The Genesis 2, on the other hand, is a really sharp-looking shoe. It’s still fairly muted overall, but the Lava Falls colorway—with its deep maroon upper and subtle light blue accents around the toe—adds just enough personality. It’s a clean, modern look that I like quite a bit.
There are 6 men’s and 4 women’s colors upon launch.
Construction:
I’ve previously reviewed another pair of Solomon shoes, which I put to the test on dusty and rocky uphill trails in Palm Springs. I found both the lacing system and the overall rugged durability to be quite impressive.
Despite being designed for rugged terrain, this shoe maintains a surprisingly lightweight construction. Despite its substantial lugs and fully covered outsole, it weighs in at just about 9 1/2 ounces for a men’s size nine. That’s quite impressive and shouldn’t be overlooked!
Upper:
Much like the original, the Genesis 2 continues to feature a Matryx upper—still one of the best materials available when it comes to combining lightweight performance with impressive durability. Salomon says it has been refined, and while I’m certainly not an expert on every tiny material change, the fit does feel a bit more dialed in than I remember from the original. It wraps the foot nicely, provides excellent hold, and the Quicklace system continues to make getting a secure fit quick and easy.
I have slowly come around on Salomon’s Quicklace system, both in this shoe and others. While it’s definitely grown on me, it’s still not my preferred lacing setup. That said, I found the overall lockdown to be excellent.
My only real nitpick is that the lace loop still feels a bit too long, even though it can be tucked away neatly in the tongue pocket.
Midsole:
If I’m not mistaken, the original Genesis used Salomon’s Energy Foam EVA blend. Version two transitions to the newer optiFOAM midsole, which also appears in shoes like the Ultra Glide 4. The Active Chassis has also been refined, continuing Salomon’s approach to adding stability without making the shoe feel overly structured.
On the trail, the Genesis 2 still leans toward the firmer side compared to something like the aforementioned Ultra Glide 4, which makes sense considering the latter carries about 7 mm more foam underfoot.
That doesn’t mean this is a low-profile, ground-feel-focused trail shoe by any stretch – its more middle ground. There’s enough cushioning for longer outings while maintaining the responsiveness and stability that inspire confidence on uneven terrain.
Outsole:
The Genesis has always been a grippy shoe, and that continues with the second version. It still utilizes Salomon’s ContaGRIP rubber, but the compound has been updated and is said to provide even better traction.
I don’t spend most of my trail miles on highly technical terrain, but the grip has been consistently excellent everywhere I’ve taken it. The outsole simply does its job without ever demanding attention—it just hits.
Overall:
The Salomon Genesis 2 is an incredibly well-rounded trail shoe, especially at its $150 price point. Honestly, while experienced trail runners will certainly appreciate what it offers, I think this shoe is especially appealing for the more casual trail runner.
It’s lightweight, comfortable, and capable of handling everything from a quick after-work trail run to middle-distance adventures in the 7-13 mile range, with plenty of cushion and durability to comfortably go well beyond that. It has enough stability and grip for technical terrain but never feels overbuilt or awkward on smoother, more runnable trails.
For runners looking for one trail shoe that can do just about everything without stretching the budget, the Genesis 2 is easy to recommend. It’s a versatile workhorse.